Hot Right Now: Chic Spots for a Last-Minute Winter Escape
For the January procrastinator, a last-minute winter escape can still feel wonderfully considered. From barefoot Caribbean hideaways to London weekends filled with art and long lunches, these eight destinations offer plenty of reasons to leave winter behind, even if you are booking a little later than planned.
British Virgin Islands
The BVI is made for slowing down. Days unfold between turquoise coves, hidden beaches, and long lunches reached by boat. For an intimate island stay, Rosewood Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda is a longtime favorite, tucked along a beautiful crescent of sand with the Caribbean at your doorstep.
Best in January: Charter a boat for the day, snorkel around The Baths on Virgin Gorda, or between the islands with a long lunch along the way.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica gives you beach time with a side of adventure. On the Papagayo Peninsula, Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and Nayara Tented Camp at Peninsula Papagayo put rainforest, wildlife, wellness, and the Pacific within easy reach.
Best in January: Take advantage of Costa Rica’s dry season with zip-lining, wildlife excursions, surfing, hiking, and sunset sailing along the Pacific coast.
Anguilla
Low-key glamour is Anguilla’s calling card. The beaches are spectacular, the dining scene is reason enough to return, and the hotels are among the Caribbean’s most coveted. Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel, Malliouhana, and Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla each offer a distinct take on island luxury.
Best in January: Spend the day beach-hopping, take a private boat to Prickly Pear Cays or Sandy Island, and save an evening for Anguilla’s lively restaurant scene.
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
San Miguel is a dreamy alternative to the beach, filled with cobblestone streets, galleries, rooftop cocktails, and beautiful architecture. Rosewood San Miguel de Allende and Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel make especially lovely bases for exploring the city.
Best in January: Take an early-morning hot-air balloon ride, explore the galleries and boutiques around El Jardín, or spend an afternoon tasting the region’s wines.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
For travelers craving sunshine without overthinking the details, Punta Cana makes winter easy. Eden Roc Cap Cana offers a more intimate experience within the private Cap Cana community, while Tortuga Bay Puntacana Resort & Club pairs Oscar de la Renta-designed villas with understated Caribbean elegance.
Best in January: Play a round of golf, charter a catamaran along the coast, or plan a day trip to explore the Dominican Republic beyond the resort.
Los Cabos, Mexico
Cabo continues to be one of winter’s chicest escapes. Zadun Los Cabos, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Montage Los Cabos, Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection, and Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol are standouts, each with its own personality and sense of place. Amanvari on the East Cape adds another highly anticipated option to the mix.
Best in January: January falls within Cabo’s whale-watching season, making a private boat excursion a must. Add golf, snorkeling, surfing, or a sunset sail for an easy few days in the sun.
London, England
Not every winter escape requires a swimsuit. London in January means cozy pubs, buzzy restaurants, museum afternoons, West End evenings, and lingering over afternoon tea. Make a weekend of it at Beaverbrook Town House, The Connaught, or The Lanesborough.
Best in January: Catch a West End show, explore a major exhibition, shop the January sales, or spend an afternoon at the London Art Fair. January is also one of the quieter times to experience many of the city’s museums and landmarks.
Sometimes the best winter trips are the ones you almost did not take. Contact your Huffman Travel advisor to handle the reservations, recommendations, and details, so your last-minute escape feels anything but last-minute.